Guitar strings, the voice of your guitar!
Guitar strings are another important link in the music chain between your fingers and your fans ears. Strings come in many gauges (thicknesses) and material types.
Some materials used...
Gauge:Guitar strings come in a variety of thicknesses and are referenced from high E to low E. (such as .008-.036) They are generally sold in sets of six (twelve for 12-string guitars). You can also buy individual strings. It's a good idea to have a couple of high E and maybe a B string as they're usually the ones that break first (or repeatedly).
Guitar strings come in plain and two different windings.
Some places on the net tell you to wash your hands before you play. I don't like doing this. It strips away the natural oils on your fingertips. By washing your hands, doing dishes or taking a shower, your skin absorbs water and softens and swells. It's a weird feeling when playing and I avoid it if possible.(also it softens the callouses on your fingertips) 
This is a good idea due to sweaty palms especially with rosewood finger boards. They feel sticky when I sweat and it's difficult to move up and down the fret board.
So your ready for your solo. The song sounds great, everything is coming together, you step up, turn up the volume and.... pop!- no high E string! After the initial shock, you quickly recover and improvise on the remaining five strings. At least they will stay in tune if you lose one. On a guitar with a floating Floyd Rose tremolo bridge, all of the strings will go out of tune! (I know, I have one on my Stratocaster) Hope you have a spare guitar! Strings are going to break. That's a given. The frequency depends on such things as your playing style, string gauge and age of strings. If you break a lot of strings, look for sharp edges on the bridge or saddles. If you find any, they can be carefully filed or sanded. If you feel unsure about this, consult a compentent luthier. Another problem encountered is inherent with string packaging. Some guitarists will buy an extra set and throw them in the case. Problems arise with strings packed in those paper envelopes inside plastic holders with a flap. Humidity will cause the paper to sponge water out of the air and corrode the strings. This will make them sound flat and dull even though they look new. Manufacturers are starting to package strings in hermetically sealed envelopes. As long as the bag isn't opened, shelf life is greatly extended. When to change your strings...
2) They sound dull and start to tarnish 3) When you feel you need to!
How to buy strings...If your an experienced guitarist, you'll buy the strings you have become familiar with. I have been buying Ernie Ball extra slinky strings for as far back as I can remember. I like their quality and sound. Beginner guitarists will have sensory overload when they buy their first pack. Music stores have hundreds of brands competing for your attention. Colors, pictures, and titles vying for the consumers wallet. Ask some of your guitarist friends what brand they use. Look at some of the brands and read the story on the packaging. Something might click with you and you'll find a brand of strings that will work. Take a chance- grab a set of guitar strings, put them on your favorite axe and wail away!
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